Huggins, Wentworth-Douglass decide against closer affiliation

fosters.com

Writer

Posted Mar. 8, 2014 at 3:15 AM

Posted Mar. 8, 2014 at 3:15 AM

DOVER — Huggins Hospital and the Wentworth-Douglass Health System explored the possibility of a deeper affiliation to create a new, comprehensive healthcare network to serve both southern Carroll and Strafford counties.

After thorough review by management, trustees and outside advisors, the decision was made to maintain the current level of collaboration.

These are challenging times in health care and neither hospital took this decision lightly. Both hospitals will continue to work together in clinical areas of mutual interest as they have prior to entering into the more formal affiliation discussions.

These areas are part of the collaboration agreement signed in 2012. The WDHS and Huggins Hospital collaboration includes, among other areas, the hospitalist program at Huggins Hospital.

According to WDHS President & CEO Greg Walker, the effort to bring the hospitals together was well-intentioned and carefully considered.

“We have enjoyed working with Huggins’ team over the past few months and appreciate their support and commitment to this process. Our final analysis did not support a more structured affiliation; however, we do plan to continue our clinical and programmatic relationship in support of high quality patient care.”

Huggins Hospital President and CEO Michael Connelly echoed Walker’s sentiments and added that the collaboration initiatives have been very positive for Huggins Hospital.

“We are seeing an integration of health care services throughout the country,” said Connelly. “From collaborations on services to affiliations and full mergers, the landscape is changing. It has been a positive dialogue between Wentworth-Douglass and Huggins during the past several months despite the final outcome.”

Connelly added that the staff at Huggins Hospital looks forward to continuing their collaboration with the staff at WDHS.